Choosing YASS modules

Students participating in a science class

The Open University modules offered through YASS cover a wide range of subject areas.

They include modules in arts, business and management, engineering, computing, technology, health and social care, languages, law, marketing, mathematics, science, social sciences, and sport and exercise.

The level of each option is equivalent to first year level at a traditional university, at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level 7. 

All modules will involve at least one OU assessment. Each module has its own assessment strategy, and quantity and types of OU assessments involved, so it's important you check what's required for your chosen module. 

Many of the modules offered through YASS include using OpenLearn, the Open University’s platform for free online learning. OpenLearn offers a wide range of materials and short courses that anyone can access. Designed to fit easily into everyday life, the OpenLearn site provides bite-sized learning experiences across hundreds of topics. This includes resources to help build essential study skills, such as skills for participating in online forums.

Study route options:  

There are three types of study routes to choose between:   
 

An individual OU module, for 30 credits, in one subject:

  • Most modules have no entry requirements, but some in technology, maths, physics, and languages require pupils to have completed the relevant S5 Higher (result pending).
  • Choose a module in one subject, from a wide range of subject options shown in the List of Open University modules offered through YASS.
  • Depending on the module chosen, these modules require between 8 to 14 hours of study per week, and run for between six to nine months, from the start of October to the end of either March, April or May.
  • Modules include assignments and/or assessments throughout the module's period. All modules end with a larger piece of work or exam as their final assessment. Modules with exams may have their final exam a little later, in early to mid-June.
  • Support from a Tutor is included, contactable by email or phone.

An individual OU module, for 10 credits, in science or law:

  • No previous qualifications are required for these modules.
  • Support from a Study Advisor is included, via an online forum.
  • Science options – Contemporary topics in science (module code SXM150)

    This is a flexible module that allows you to create your own curriculum:
    • Choose three courses, covering different topics, from a specific list of science courses on the OU’s free learning site OpenLearn. Or choose to focus on a single topic in more depth.
    • Between 5 to 8 hours of study per week, from the start of October to the end of March.
    • Includes an End of Module Assessment (EMA) in March.
  • Law option – Law making in Scotland (module code WXM151): 

    • Choose three courses, covering different topics, from a specific list of law courses on the OU’s free learning site OpenLearn, to be completed by the end of January.
    • Between 4 to 6 hours of study per week, from the start of October to the end of April.
    • Includes online quizzes, plus a piece of written work as an End of Module Assessment (EMA) due in April.

A combination of courses, for 30 credits, in one or a mix of subjects – Making your learning count (module code YXM130).

  • This is a flexible module that allows you to create your own curriculum.
  • Pupils need to have already completed a Higher in S5 (results pending), in any subject and at any grade, to be eligible for this option.
  • The OpenLearn choices for YASS students webpage explains how the module works.
  • Choose courses from the OU’s free learning site OpenLearn either from:
  • The study time required is around 8 to 10 hours per week, from the start of October.
  • Regular assignments are included, involving a compulsory End of Module Assessment (EMA) at the end of May.
  • Support from a Tutor is included, contactable by email or phone.

Further information and options:

OU modules studied through YASS can be added as a qualification in the Education Section of Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) forms. The skills and experience gained through YASS can also be added to the personal statement section of UCAS forms and in interviews.

OU credit points are higher education Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points and not part of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) tariff, so cannot be counted towards UCAS tariff points.

It may be possible to transfer credit gained from studying YASS modules at 30 credits, towards an OU degree. (It’s not possible to transfer credits from modules worth 10 credits, and it’s unlikely to be able to transfer credits to other universities, as each university has its own credit transfer rules).

After looking into the modules available to study through YASS, if you decide you don’t have enough time to study it alongside your S6 school commitments, you can still make use of the free materials on OpenLearn.

Resources including short courses, videos and articles, can be completed whenever it suits you throughout S6, as they’re fully self-paced and have no formal assessments.

OpenLearn short courses aren’t accredited like YASS modules, so you can't include them as a qualification on your UCAS form, but you can still earn a Digital Certificate or a Statement of Participation for most of the courses available, to show that you’ve taken part in independent, self-directed learning.